FLYIN' IN PHILLY: Post columnist George Willis says the Jets may regret not taking a look at Michael Vick (above), who signed with the Eagles, as an inexpensive backup for rookie Mark Sanchez. Photo: Getty Images

By the time the 2009 NFL season comes to an end there will be several teams wishing they had signed Michael Vick. One of them could be the Jets.

The Jets never took a look at Vick, satisfied the competition between Mark Sanchez and Kellen Clemens offered them enough depth at quarterback. But maybe they’ll second guess themselves after watching Vick perform for the Eagles tonight at the Meadowlands in the final preseason game for both teams.

Normally, this is a game played by mostly rookies, free agents, and bubble players looking to land one of the available roster spots. The best players are done after a series or two, resting themselves for the start of the regular season. That’s the way it will be on the Jets’ side of the ball. But Vick, a former Pro Bowl quarterback, is expected to get extended minutes running the Eagles’ offense.

The thought of the athletically gifted Vick going against the Jets’ second and third teamers is giving coach Rex Ryan flashbacks of when he was the defensive coordinator for the Ravens.

“You talk about a challenge,” Ryan said. “This is a rare athlete. He’s a guy that’s been a Pro Bowl quarterback, and he’s going to be playing in the second half of a preseason game. I hope we get up early on him and then kind of hold our breath.”

Ryan said “it would have been a little crowded” had the Jets signed Vick.

It’s likely the Jets also didn’t want to deal with the media frenzy or any threat Vick might pose to Mark Sanchez’s job security. If Sanchez can stay healthy and have success through his rookie season, then the acquisition of Vick will become a moot point.

But for every Joe Flacco and Matt Ryan, two quarterbacks who had splendid rookie years in 2008, there is a Matt Leinart or Vince Young, No. 1 picks who have not lived up to expectations. Vick would have been an inexpensive security blanket for Sanchez. Instead, it will be Clemens, who hasn’t proven he can lead an NFL team. The Eagles were bold enough to sign Vick, even though they have an established quarterback in Donovan McNabb. No doubt should something happen to McNabb, who has missed games with injuries in three of the last four seasons, Vick will be a valuable commodity.

“He poses all kinds of problems,” Jets defensive end Shaun Ellis said of Vick’s talent as a quarterback. “He can extend the play out; he can throw the deep ball, the short ball. He can do everything. It’ll be interesting to see when he gets his timing back how the Philly offense responds to him.”

Vick served 18 months in federal prison for charges stemming from his involvement in a dog-fighting ring. Many of the Jets are happy he is back playing football.

“I was very much an advocate for him,” said Jets kicker Jay Feely, who played with Vick at Atlanta from 2001-04. “I know him as a man. He made a lot of mistakes. But he paid his price. In his heart, he’s a good person. A lot of people don’t see that because of his actions. But I’m excited for the opportunity he has, not only in football, but also with his life.”

Tonight’s game will be Vick’s final action until NFL commissioner Roger Goodell rules him eligible to compete in the regular season. Goodell has told reporters he will soon meet with Vick to discuss the possibility of his return prior to the Week 6 deadline.

By the time the year ends, the Jets might wish they had met with Vick, too.